Patrick Nnaemeka
Okorie (born 27 May 1990), popularly known by his stage
name Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall
singer and songwriter with family roots in Ebonyi
State, Southeastern Nigeria. He started his musical career doing
underground collaborations with artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam
and Reggie Rockstone. He signed a record deal with K-Solo's ‘Igberaga’
Records in 2010, releasing "Up in D Club" under the outfit.
Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating
with Timaya on his song "Alubarika". In February 2014, he
signed a record deal with ‘Foston Musik’ and released "Girlie O", a
single that put him in the limelight. Patoranking has cited Buju
Banton, Bob
Marley, Fela
Kuti, Lucky
Dube, Chaka
Demus, Majek
Fashek, Blackky, Blackface, Tuface and Marvelous Benjy as his key musical influences.
He has described his music as a morally inclined variation of
dancehall. On 12th September 2013, Patoranking released the video and audio for
"Alubarika" simultaneously. The song literally translates to
"God's Blessings" and features vocals from Timaya. The music earned him a good fan base and
paved way for him to become an established musician.
In February 2014, Patoranking signed a record deal with ‘Foston
Musik’ and ended his affiliations with Dem Mama Records. On 4 February 2014,
Patoranking released "Girlie O", a song produced by WizzyPro. The music video for the song was shot and directed in
London by Moe Musa. Foston Musik released "Girlie O Remix" on 19 May
2014 to critical acclaim. The
song features vocals from Tiwa
Savage. It debuted at number 9 on MTV Base's Official Naija Top 10 chart.
2015 marked a successful year for Patoranking as 2 of his
singles; "Daniella Whine" and "My Woman, My Everything"
were chart toppers on the MTV base Official Naija Top 10 Chart. "Daniella
Whine" debuted at number 4 in May and went on top the chart as number 1 in
June."My Woman, My Everything" also made the chart when it was
released, peaking at the number 2 spot. In 2016, he came out with his fresh
single titled ‘Another level’.
He won the 2014 next rated award at the Headies. Presently,
Patoranking is one of the Judges on The Voice Nigeria. He has signed
endorsement deals with Airtel, skyy vodka and the luxury jeweller ‘malivelihood’.
He is one of the young artists who is ambitious and enterprising.